Free OKEMSIS Elite Database trainings will be scheduled on a regional basis. Individual agency trainings can be scheduled upon approval by OSDH staff. Contact Martin Lansdale at MartinL@health.ok.gov or call Emergency Systems at (405)271-4027 for more information.

NOTE: Time line for conversion to OKEMSIS v3.3.4 is subject to change by OSDH personnel if significant issues arise with the OKEMSIS ELITE database (state site) during the testing phase.

Since 2002, OAC 310:641-3-160 has required all EMS agencies to submit data about all ambulance responses to the Oklahoma EMS Database. This database has been a great success, growing to nearly 3.5 million runs with quality and completeness improving steadily.

The need for better national EMS data has led to the establishment of the National EMS information system (NEMSIS). The majority of all states are participating in this effort. The pre-2009 Oklahoma EMS Database was developed before NEMSIS and used an older data collection and storage format. In order to submit data as required, Oklahoma changed to a NEMSIS-compliant database (v2.2.1) in 2009 purchased with grant funding through the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. In order to adhere to the updated v3.3.4 NEMSIS national data standard and to facilitate improved Oklahoma EMS data quality, the OKEMSIS Elite v3.3.4 Data Dictionary has been compiled.

Providers submit data to the website one run at a time, or in "batches". "Batch" submitters will need to work with their data vendors to ensure they have a compatible download format. Most vendors have already developed NEMSIS-compliant download formats, and will need to add only the "Oklahoma-specific" data fields to be fully compliant. Formats can be tested on the OKEMSIS ELITE testing website (e-mail martinl@health.ok.gov for more information regarding the testing site).

Effective January 1, 2016, Oklahoma EMS providers must collect all required data fields as shown in the OKEMSIS Elite v3.3.4 Data Dictionary. All providers must begin submitting their data to the new OKEMSIS Elite database by January 1st, 2016.

Few things are as important to the future of EMS as good data. We need to be able to show that our work makes a demonstrable difference in patient outcomes. Thanks in advance for your cooperation as we complete this important step in the development of EMS as a profession.